The Dark And The Rolling Sea

Oh you slipped away from the harbour side In the morning bright and clear   And your sails were filled with the rising wind And you laughed for all to hear   But you never glanced at the ragged dance Of your lovers on the quai    Don’t call on them when the winds rise high On the dark and the rolling sea.    You set your course for the furthest shores And you never once looked back   And the flag you flew was the pirate cross On a field of velvet black.   And those landsmen who you but lately knew Were left stranded on the lea   Don’t call on them when the storm clouds rise On the dark and the rolling sea.      Oh I have no need of a chart or creed You told your waiting crew    For the winds of chance they will bear us straight And you spoke as though you knew.   So you paid no mind to the warning signs As you gave your words so free   Don’t change your tack when the timbers crack On the dark and and the rolling sea.   Now the thunder rails in the great mainsails And the stars desert the skies   And the rigging strains as the hands of rain Reach down to wash your eyes.   And your oarsman stands with his knife in hand And his eyes spell mutiny      Don’t call my name when your ship goes down On the dark and the rolling sea.